Big Bayou Blues

Oh, those Sleeping Giants.
Eli Manning’s homecoming was ruined Sunday when the undefeated New York Giants lost 48-27 to the flawless New Orleans Saints. It was Manning’s first game in the Superdome and he was torched by Drew Brees and the hometown Saints. The Saints matched their best start in 16 years by throttling Big Blue in a meeting of two of the NFC ‘s elite offenses. New York came into the game winners of five straight, giving up an average of 14 points per game. The swarming Saints defense prevented Manning from dictating the tempo of his offense, but it was the stout offensive line that significantly thrived for New Orleans. The Saints scored 34 points by halftime, and Brees was on his way to an over-300 passing yard afternoon. New Orleans compiled 133 yards on the ground. The Giants were held to just 84 rushing yards, a season low. Yesterday, Sean Payton’s Saints made a statement, took care of business against a great team, and stamped themselves a Superbowl favorite this winter.
Brees is a top-flight quarterback, and was nothing short of spectacular against the Giants’ league-leading defense. Running back, Pierre Thomas, lead the way in the backfield. Thomas rushed for 72 of the Saints’ 133 yards on the ground. Emboldened by the stellar offense, the Saints’ defense also stepped up to contribute, clobber and squander any Giants chances. The defense disarmed Manning, allowing the Big Blue signal caller just 14 completions on 31 attempts for 178 yards. Manning connected with wide receiver, Mario Manningham before the half on a 15 yard toss through the air. Manningham’s touchdown reception cut the Giant deficit to ten points. New York didn’t make it to the midpoint down by ten, however. It took the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner, Reggie Bush, seven yards to increase the Saints lead to 34-17. The Giants scored their only other touchdown late in the fourth quarter, but it didn’t come from the arm of their star quarterback. Backup slinger, David Carr, chipped a 37 yarder to Hakeen Nicks with 3:15 left in regulation and the game all but over.
Former Giant tight end, Jeremy Shockey, got a bit of revenge against his former team when he paraded into the endzone for the Saints first touchdown. Shockey was followed by Robert Meachum, Lance Moore and Marques Colston. All four New Orleans players were credited with touchdowns. Colston caught eight passes for 166 yards to lead all receivers. Moore and Meachum, the monstrous duo, both had over 70 yards receiving as well. Brees’ passing attack demoralized the New York defense and caused the secondary fits the entire game. The overwhelmed their opponent in perhaps the most impressive showing in Saints history. A vintage Brees revived his MVP campaign and showed no signs or symptoms of a bye week without football. Seven Saints scored touchdowns, so it was a team effort. The defense won the turnover battle while offense marched down the field and scored on their first four possessions. Brees completed 15 consecutive passes. It felt as if the Giants were on an entirely different level and playing a team out of their league. The home team offense was unstoppable. New Orleans was so confident the Giants were never able to gain or shift momentum the Big Blue way. Even after New York stuffed Thomas on the one-yard line, the defense responded. Safety, Roman Harper, sacked Manning, forcing Scott Shanle’s fumble recovery. Safety Darren Sharper also picked off Manning, but his pick-six was called back on a penalty. Cornerback Jabari Greer intercepted Manning, reeling in a third quarter turnover to set up another Saints touchdown. Whenever Eli tried to go deep, New Orleans’ rush attack stopped him. The secondary for the Saints made big plays and tantalizing hits. It all added up to the Saints fifth straight double-digit win. They have outscored opponents 192-93 in 2009. The quarterback plays extremely well, and that is enough for New Orleans to be difficult to defend. As for New York, it was not a good football Sunday. The Jets bowed to Buffalo in overtime, and the Giants got steamrolled in the Bayou.

Parting Points: Jeter clocked a leadoff homerun just now in Game 3 of the ALDS. The captain is something else. Let’s be optimistic Andy Pettitte will suffice.